Potential of trails as a practice of Environmental Education in a Conservation Unit within a university campus in the municipality of Fortaleza-CE

Abstract

The National System of Nature Conservation Units was established to minimize negative environmental and/or anthropogenic impacts and to protect ecosystems and biodiversity, one of these ways being the promotion of trails. The objective was to identify knowledge about the concept of Conservation Units and the potential of trails as a practice of Environmental Education in a public university in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará. Questionnaires were applied with 50 undergraduates and graduates of the Degree in Biological Sciences of the State University of Ceará, Itaperi campus, between April and June/2019. It predominated female participants (58%) and with age between 19-21 years old (42%); 88% knew the meaning of Conservation Unit, associating mainly the Area of Environmental Protection (72.72%); 62% already participated of trails; only 28% knew the green area of the university; 96% liked the courses carried through, affirming that trails attract public for visitation and the interaction with the environment (90%) is the main attraction; the importance/contribution of trails in a Conservation Unit was more remarkable for Environmental Education (96%); for all the trails carried out they have potential as a practice of Environmental Education and cited awareness (98%) and environmental impacts (98%) as themes to be addressed in Environmental Education actions on the trails. The realization of trails provides different audiences with knowledge and experiences with nature, as Environmental Education helps in environmental preservation/conservation and sustainable tourism. Thus, the campus has ecological potential for different activities such as Environmental Education and ecotourism.